Why Is Lightsaber Choreography So Bad Nowadays?

If you’ve been following Star Wars long enough, you’ve probably noticed that the lightsaber choreography in recent shows just isn’t hitting the same way it did in the prequels.

The elaborate, fast-paced duels from Revenge of the Sith have given way to slower, more awkward lightsaber battles, and fans aren’t shy about pointing it out.

But why does it feel like the choreography has taken such a big step back? Let’s dive into some of the reasons behind this change.

1. The Actors Aren’t Getting the Same Training Time

Back when the prequels were being made, actors like Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor spent months mastering their lightsaber skills.

They were in it for the long haul, training intensely to make their duels look as dynamic and fluid as possible.

Hayden even made moves like the famous “Obi-Ani spin” a signature part of Anakin’s fighting style.

These actors didn’t just rely on their talent – they put in the hard work, and it showed in the final product.

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that modern productions aren’t dedicating the same time to fight training.

For example, Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka, has limited mobility, especially with her headpiece.

While she does a great job acting, the physical demands of a fight scene are tough when you can’t move freely.

You can see the difference in the choreography – it’s slower, more reserved, and sometimes awkward.

2. Heavier Lightsaber Props Are Slowing Things Down

One of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes is the type of lightsaber props being used today.

In the prequels, actors fought with lightweight sticks that were later enhanced with CGI to make them look like glowing blades.

This allowed them to swing the sabers quickly, making the fights feel fast and intense.

Now, however, they’re using heavier lightsaber props that are already lit up for the camera. This helps with the lighting effects, so the glow of the saber reflects off the actors’ faces and surroundings in real time.

The downside? These props are bulkier and harder to handle. The actors can’t move as fast, which results in slower and less exciting choreography.

3. TV Shows Have Tighter Schedules

We also have to remember that a lot of modern Star Wars lightsaber action is happening in TV shows rather than big-budget films.

While Disney+ shows like Ahsoka certainly aren’t cheap, they don’t have the same resources or time that a blockbuster movie like Revenge of the Sith had.

Actors can’t spend months preparing for a single duel, so the choreography has to be simpler and quicker to pull off.

In shows like Ahsoka, you’ll notice that the fights don’t last as long and aren’t as complex.

The directors are working with tighter deadlines, so they prioritize getting the scene done over making it look as elaborate as possible.

4. Sabine’s Lack of Jedi Training Affects Her Fighting Style

One point worth mentioning is that some of the “bad” lightsaber choreography we’re seeing is actually intentional.

Take Sabine Wren from Ahsoka, for example. She’s not a trained Jedi; she’s a Mandalorian who dabbled with the Darksaber in Star Wars Rebels, but she’s nowhere near the level of a Jedi Knight.

Her awkwardness with the lightsaber is supposed to reflect her lack of experience.

However, even though her clunky fighting style fits her character, it doesn’t always make for great action scenes.

Fans are used to seeing skilled lightsaber users like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, so watching Sabine struggle can feel underwhelming.

Still, it’s important to keep in mind that Sabine isn’t meant to be a lightsaber master.

But The Acolyte Showed What Modern Choreography Could Be (Despite Its Cancellation)

Though The Acolyte was unfortunately canceled after its first season, it still gave us a glimpse of what modern Star Wars lightsaber choreography could achieve.

One of the standout moments was Quimir’s fight scene in the dark forest, which had fans buzzing.

Despite being a 2024 production, this duel combined the intensity and creativity of prequel-era choreography with modern cinematic techniques.

The setting – a shadowy, atmospheric forest – added a layer of tension, and Quimir’s precise, fluid movements brought back some of that lightsaber magic we’ve been missing.